The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Mild Violence: Bloodless combat with a sword and other weapons, including bombs, some enemies'; corpses remain for a while; one boss is stabbed in the face and coughs up blood, one area has bloodstains on walls.

Fantasy Magic: Some magic items, mention of gods, one character is a fairy. Other characters are shown using magic, plot deals with an item considered holy.

Oppresive Atmosphere: Two dungeons are set in crypts of sorts with very eerie music

Alcoholic References: One building you can enter is a pub, one scene shows two men with red faces acting drunk.

Link, Princess Zelda, Ganon, Hyrule, the Triforce: For a follower of the Legend of Zelda series, these are no strange terms. Ever since the first game appeared on shelves, fans followed each and every adventure of our green-clad hero as he fought to save the land of Hyrule from the clutches of the evil Ganon. But Ocarina of Time was the game that really defined the series. Ocarina of Time, actually the fifth game in the acclaimed Legend of Zelda series, explores what is considered to be our hero Link’s first adventure.

Note: Some plot spoilers may be present

Story
The story begins with a young boy, our future hero, Link dreaming of a dark man on horseback chasing after a girl. When he wakes up, he sees his future traveling companion, the fairy Navi, hovering around his head. Link is then summoned to see the guardian of his peaceful forest village, but this is only the start of a larger journey that will take Link all over the land of Hyrule to save it from none other than the dark man of his nightmares.

Gameplay
With a press of a few buttons, Link can run, climb, attack and defend himself. Jumping is handled automatically. Important items, like your sword are automatically at your reach. Sub-items, like all the items found in your inventory can be assigned to other buttons for quick use. It sounds like a confusing control setup, but it’s actually quite easy to learn.

Gameplay is also divided into two “areas.” One is the hub-world of Hyrule complete with towns and such, and the other is the dungeon where the bosses are usually found. Gameplay is also non-linier. You can spend hours exploring the world if you’d like.

Offensive Content

Violence
You attack enemies with a sword, slingshot, bow, and other items, even bombs. All of this content is relatively bloodless, though a few multi-colored drops fly from some enemies. Enemies typically vanish after being defeated, but one enemy does not. Another enemy bloodlessly falls apart and then quickly disappears.

One boss coughs up blood after being defeated and another is slashed and finally stabbed in the face. A few multi-colored drops are shown in the latter case.

Spiritual Content
Sadly, this game is pretty murky in terms of spirituality. The plot of this game first involves hunting for a familiar item to Zelda fans: the Triforce. In the plot, this item was created by the gods of Hyrule and can grant the wishes of whoever owns it.

On the subject of gods, this game features three goddesses who are credited with the creation of Hyrule. These three are later shown being prayed to at the end of the game.

Some items are magical in nature. While some can be optional, others are not. One item, Din’s Fire, let’s Link create a wall of fire that expands all around him. This might be considered spell casting to some. Another lets Link magically see anything that is invisible. Another, the titular musical instrument can transport Link to other areas when certain songs are played. The dungeons are usually set in temples.

Link can also buy potions to restore his health.

Some enemies are somewhat spiritual in nature. Some are zombies, skeletons and ghosts. Two boss characters are witches.

******Spoilers*****
The Triforce later falls into the hands of the evil villain Ganon who subsequently takes control of Hyrule, and Link’s quest is to awaken the power of 7 sages who will help him to defeat Ganon. Ganon and Zelda also are shown using magic. It doesn’t seem to be based on the occult however. Both hold up their hands and rays shoot out of them. Ganon is later sealed in another world, the “Evil Realm.”

Again the sages are shown praying to the gods at the end and their prayer appears to be answered.

*******End spoilers******

Sexual Content
One race, the half fish/half human Zora are shown nude, however nothing can be seen on them. The only female Zora you see does appear to have breasts, however, I did not find this offensive as she seems to have the detail of a Barbie doll.

Another race of humans is made up of women who wear revealing, Arabian-Nights-style tops. Another important female character also wears a revealing outfit. One character, the Great Fairy is dressed in little more than an outfit of leaves. Other than that, all the other female characters are quite modestly dressed.

References to AlcoholIn the main town, you can enter what looks like a pub, but you can’t drink. At the end, two men are shown with red faces acting really drunk. However, they are not shown drinking.

Frightening Atmosphere
Some areas take on a dilapidated, run-down look after Ganon’s takeover. Two of the dungeons on the other hand make it all look downright cheery in comparison. Both these areas take place in crypts and both are quite dark and eerie inside. One even appears to be built from a mixture of stone and human skulls. Some enemies, such as the ReDead, may be particularly frightening to some players, but another enemy, the Dead Hand is very frightening and grotesque in appearance.

Noteworthy Elements
The lines between good and evil are clearly drawn. Link is shown to be selfless in his quest to save Hyrule as are the characters involved in his quest. There is some accountability shown as one character expresses sadness and admits that what they had done caused the Triforce to fall into evil hands.

Conclusion
For a lot of fans, Ocarina of Time is the game that defined the Legend of Zelda series. It showed the origins of everything Zelda fans came to know and love. This was the second Zelda game I ever played and I have to admit, this game was amazing.

However, it is quite full of content that needs to be taken into account. There is magic use, and even gods in this game. For some, this is only fantasy and not a problem. Others would put this alongside Harry Potter. I did once before I ever even played a Zelda game.

I can’t really recommend this game to children, even though it’s rated for them. I’m an adult and even I’m scared of some of the creepier areas in this game. I would also not recommend to those who are just getting started in their Christian walk. However, for a mature Zelda fan, I see nothing wrong with this game. It’s a must for any fan.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Eden Communications or the Christian Answers Network.

Comments are closed

Comments are currently closed on this review.

A.MMay 15, 2009

When I played this game when I was younger, a particular monster scared the living daylights out of me- the most unnerving monster in the game was left unmentioned in the review:The Dead Hand. Dead Hand appears at first as just a bunch of long hands sticking out of the ground, but as you walk by, the hands will grab you around the neck, and the real monster will emerge from the ground. It looks like a humanoid blob creature with a long neck, and it is very pale and gross-looking. Quite a ghastly monster, for a rated E game.
I definitely cannot recommend OOT for children. This is definitely an E-10, and would be rated that if that rating existed back then.

I remember me and my brother getting this for Christmas when I was 7. I would watch him play it for hours, and eventually came to play it myself. This is easily the best game ever made for any system. The story, the characters, the gameplay, the music, everything is done perfectly. I don’t have a single complaint about the game, and I plan on playing it through for the twelve time again soon.

Oh, and I never thought the magic use was anything even remotely bad. It’s plain fantasy, much like what you’d find in Lord of the Rings or Narnia.

ScottMay 15, 2009

All I can say about this game is that it is “epic.” It truly was and still is the defining point for me, in the Zelda series. I loved this game when I was smaller, and still love it today. It brings back good memories. If you examine it, there are a few questionable aspects of the game, but not enough to make it any less distinct or epic in the legacy. This game brought me and my older sister together a lot. I loved to watch her play it and play it myself. Many hours spent together having fun. In response to the hand enemy mentioned above, my sister hated the wolves in the game. They would always scare her and give her a run for her money when she tried to defeat them. “The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time” shall always remain my favorite game out of the entire Zelda series thus far. I doubt it will change.

Me neither, but what some consider fantasy may not be to others. I’ll bet there’s some Christians who lump Narnia and Lord of the Rings together with Harry Potter or Twilight. I used to put Zelda in that category myself. But like you, I think this was the best game.

Old SnakeMay 15, 2009

Man the memories. This game is just awesome! I was 13 when I first played this. It was in the Summer and spent many a long hours playing this game. This is the best in the series and can be consider one of the best game ever made. I still play it time to time and have a lot of fun. For Christians and to be safe. Anyone older then 10 should be fine playing this game

This is just my opinion, but this is one of those games that a gamer has to play or at least try.

A.MMay 15, 2009

The ReDeads actually didn’t creep me out as much, just because the way the dead hand moved and attacked you. Sure, the ReDeads were creepy too, but man, getting grabbed around the neck and held down as an ugly blob man came waddling towards you with his head lowering, ready to bite your head off… *shudder*
I mean, yes, the graphics are pretty bad compared to todays standards, but for me as a little kid playing that game as they were the best graphics around at that time… you can imagine the willies it gave me. 😛

A.MMay 15, 2009

Oh, and let’s not forget the Wallmaster! In some levels, Navi warns you to “watch out for the shadows of monsters on the ceiling!” A shadow would loom over you as a sound effect plays, and all of the sudden, a gigantic, severed hand will drop on top of you.

TheophilusMay 16, 2009

This game is pretty fun. The graphics are pretty good even by today’s standards. I don’t really remember many things being bad in it for Christians. However I do think it could have gone without those weird zombies though whose attack seemed a little peculiar.

Bioware Fan boyMay 16, 2009

Exstemely fun. Action games are fun, Though I should repent for playing an action game that has violence therefore I cant recemend this to christians as there is violence. As christians we should not play violent games. After all the bible teaches peace and pacifism.

If your not a christain I highly recemend this game!

DavidJanuary 11, 2010

I'm sorry, where does it teach that? Have you read the Old Testament?

NarwhalAugust 22, 2010

"If you're not a Christian"
-_- You know, violence is only wrong if it effects you.

samstarrettDecember 19, 2010

The Bible does not teach pacifism. Matthew 10:34 springs to mind.

NarwhalDecember 20, 2010

So, the Bible teaches to be a wimp, is practically what you're saying.
You should look at the comment name you chose and then your post. And, yes, I'm pretty much summing up Ryan's post.
And even more, this is considered the BEST game ever, even by Christians on this site.
Saying that rating is overrating this game is underrating it.

It's one thing to fight people and another to fight monsters that do not exist. God told the people of Israel to fight their enemies too. Besides, if you follow that through to its conclusion, you shouldn't play video games at all.

AndrewAugust 15, 2011

Agreed, SeriousGamer. Well said. I'm gonna rent this one for the 3DS.

RyanMay 16, 2009

@Bioware Fan Boy, yet you as a “Bioware Fan Boy” no doubt have no doubt played, KotOR, Mass Effect, Baldur’s Gate etc etc etc. all way more violent than Zelda, and while the Bible teaches peace, Jesus did tell his disciples to go out and buy swords, among other various items Luke 22:35-38, now then I’m NOT a pacifist, I’m a martialist.

This subject has been beaten to a crisp by now, but I’m just going to go ahead and say this: Christians will, and always will, disagree with whether it is alright to play video games that have fantasy magic and made-up religions in them.

Everything in this world can be a potential problem in someone’s life, depending on where they are spiritually. For example, yes, playing Zelda games CAN be a huge stumbling block in that person’s life. However, if playing the game doesn’t affect their faith, or the faith of those around them, then I think it is safe to say that the game is just entertainment and it shouldn’t be offensive.

Of course, everyone is in a different level of their spiritual walk, and I’m not saying anyone’s wrong or right. Its not a hill I’m willing to die on.

It never affected me. It’s not real. It doesn’t take place in the real world for one thing. It’s not like Harry Potter that does take place in the real world or use real magic. And Link doesn’t cast spells either. He’s given magical tools, kind of like Frodo’s little bottle in Lord of the Rings, the one that glows. Strange thing is, I never hear anyone shoot at that.

NarwhalAugust 22, 2010

I've played TWW, not effecting me :P. I do indeed want this game, and they have a GCN package of this and MM, do want :3

Game girlMay 20, 2009

I love this game but i wont recomend it for anyone under 10, just because the quests get so hard it will be discourging for younger gamers

NarwhalDecember 20, 2010

I wouldn't recommend it for under ten because of the redeads, floor masters, and wall masters.

colonel2linkDecember 21, 2010

Meh, I never had much of a problem with them when I was 7, and I was very easily scared. I would agree more with the difficulty, which can be incredibly frustrating if you're young.

JoshJuly 24, 2016

THE WATER TEMPLE! I still have nightmares.

Game girlMay 20, 2009

oh and just to point out you forgot about the mask that lets you see into peoples minds. it isent that big of a deal i just thought id point that out

Okay… so I’m a huge zelda fan (like, whatever the zelda equivalent of a trekkie is), but I don’t know what you mean. Link does use spells, just not in the traditional way. I’m not saying that’s bad, but he does use spells.

What I meant is Link doesn’t cast spells. He finds magic items that he uses, but without them, he has no magic power whatsoever.

In The Lord of the Rings, one character is given a bottle that contains the light of a star. When he finds himself in a lightless place, he says a few words and the light shines bright. Without the bottle, he couldn’t do a thing. That’s what I’m comparing it to.

Shadnic HyproMay 22, 2009

I definately agree that young gamers would be terrified of OoT! Some of those monsters are just freaky (and the blocky 64 graphics almost make them scarier-lol!) I remember when I first played this as a young kid, my sister was terrified of the Redeads and didn’t sleep well for months. Strangely, I was the bigger scaredy-cat and they didn’t frighten me… much.

OoT is a darkly-toned game. In fact, it seemed almost darker to me than Twilight Princess (aside from the infamous “freaky cutscene.”) Perhaps it was just me, but I often found myself feeling sort of gloomy and eager to reach the end when the land was free from evil.

You’ve got to give OoT some credit though. Link is very self-sacrificial, as is Zelda. The battle between good and evil is portrayed well and evil is ultimately defeated in the end. Several side quests (and main quests) involve helping citizens and reaping rewards for doing so.

I didn’t like certain elements of the game, such as the witches, the darker magic elements, and the Great Fairies (they need more clothes!). Zelda is one of those series that some put alongside Lord of the Rings and others dub an addition to the whole Harry Potter-styled atmosphere. The choice is really up to the gamer and how he believes the game will affect him.

SonicFanJuly 21, 2010

What infamous "freaky cutscene"? And how creepy are these enemies? And are the witches real witches or fantasy magic-users?

The enemies in Ocaria aren't as creepy as the ones in later games. As for the witches, they ride around on brooms and cackle a bit, so I'd say they're closer to fairy tale witches than anything else.

(guest)December 21, 2010

I think the "freaky cutscene" he's referring to is the one where Lanayru explains the background of the Twilight Realm; the one that used models of Link and Ilia to represent everyone involved in a rather unnerving fashion…

NarwhalSeptember 1, 2010

The great fairies seem ugly to me in this game.

anonymousMay 23, 2009

OOT is a clasic game. The faries and magic are just fantasy. Although definetly not for little kids i dont see a problem with maybe an 8-9 year old playing.

IAmResolvedMay 28, 2009

OOT is definitely one of my favorite LOZ titles. I’ve been a fan of the series for several years, and I find no problem with most of its content. Albeit there are suggestive areas of the series (If you think the Great Fairy in OOT is bad, don’t even go NEAR Telma in Twilight Princess), but other than that the LOZ collection is an excellent group of games.

I also have no quarrel with the magic side of the series either. As SeriousGamer pointed out, there are no references to the occult in the game, minus the two witches mentioned previous; however, these two witches are portrayed as evil beings in the service of their Dark Lord, Ganon, which is appropriate (versus Harry Potter, who causes young children to aspire to become wizards/witches). I hold the same opinion in regards to the gods/goddesses included in the series. LOZ in no way tries to teach its fans doctrine centered around the gods (ie. the goddesses created Hyrule AND your Earth), which would be completely absurd. Having other forms of deity in media to me is no different or even less dangerous than learning about Greek mythology. There’s a difference between learning about something and worshiping it or making it your own.

@ Bioware Fan boy- I have to concur with the other commentators here. Christ taught us to take up swords against evil men that threaten us and to defend ourselves. No where in the Bible is pacifism mentioned. In fact, the ‘turn the other cheek’ passage Christ taught is often taken out of context. I quote the verse as follows (KJV):

“Mat 5:39- But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (emphasis mine)

Think about what direction two people are facing when standing in front of each other. In Jewish culture, if a man slapped you with the back of his hand, it was considered a major insult (versus punching you). Most people are right handed; if a man slapped you with the back of his right hand, it would strike your right cheek. Christ was telling his followers to lay down their pride when they’re insulted and to not retaliate. This is completely different than choosing pacifism when in danger. In fact, when you or your family are threatened, I would consider pacifism a sin. You are to treat your body with respect as the temple of God, which includes protecting it, and to provide and secure your loved ones, which includes protecting them.

I agree with you mostly. However, I am going to have to request that you back up your assertion that Harry Potter 'causes young children to aspire to become witches/wizards'. I am a Christian and don't understand all the Harry Potter hating. The way I see it, it's a personal thing. If it interferes with your walk, don't do it. If it doesn't, you're OK, and it doesn't matter what others do either way.

If you can show me that I'm wrong on this point, I'll retract that, but until then, I'm afraid I'll have to take issue with the Harry Potter hating that I see all over this site.

colonel2linkDecember 19, 2010

I'm part of the Harry Potter lovin' 😉 As are most of the people on the forums, although it's not the official site policy.

AquaJuly 22, 2009

My long time pastor once told me that it was healthy for a Christian to be interested in movies, books,or video games based upon fantasy. Already curious, It helps us develop imagination, and learn that it wasn’t the “fantasy” material itself that intrigues us, but rather the metaphors that were within it that related to Christianity, and the ways we relate those metaphors to being a Christian in our daily lives.

Thomas ForsonJuly 29, 2009

For the Christian community, this is a decent game. It offers the amusement that video games were designed for without plunging them into a world of intense violence and destruction. The only issue, aside from the mentioned Dead Hand and the fantasy element, was the fact that the player has the ability to attack innocent chickens. Fortunately, this was not without concequence, but it was still unnerving.

You can’t ever kill the chickens though. And hack at them enough with your sword and they’ll all swarm and attack you.

NarwhalOctober 6, 2010

Cucco's revenge ftw, I always enjoy hacking at one and then running like crazy to get away.

GoodGamerJDecember 5, 2009

This game is nothing more than THE BEST GAME EVER!!!! Not really too much offensive…its just a made up story, which in true honesty, zelda sort of lacks as far as story, but the gameplay makes up for everything because its so perfect!!!!! why dont they make quality games like this anymore???

I Know God IsDecember 20, 2009

The Word of God says to flee from evil. The world in which we live offers a grand assortment of entertainment for which the devil has purposed to draw man unto himself. Zelda is one such attraction. I have read countless comparisons of the Narnia series to other fantasy games that include magic and understand the confusion. Narnia cannot be compared to Zelda (or Harry Potter.) The Narnia series was written with direct application and representation of Christ and the salvation He brings to believers through His resurrection!

MatthewDecember 23, 2009

i just have to say that this game cant be compared to The chronicles of Narnia. This game is an amazing game, thta shows light on the good and darkness on the bad, and if it upsets you, you shouldnt play it, but you also shouldnt diss a good game just because it has some magic in it.

SonicFanJuly 21, 2010

I"m not worshiping these other gods of fantasy. Maybe it's a stumbling block for you, but I don't see it as destructive to my faith. It's no different than Greek mythology or Sonic worshiping the Master Emerald (yes, they do worship it, it's just not directly stated – it's clearly infered.) Fantasy "gods" are just pretend.

Blue BlurJuly 26, 2010

Sonic didnt seem to care about the master emeraled in sonic adventure 2.

(guest)October 7, 2010

I fail to see how they "worship" it. Knuckles protects it so nobody can use it for evil, and Sonic doesn't seem to care much about it unless Eggman's after it. Basically, you could substitute the Master Emerald with, say, a nuclear bomb and nothing would change.

Hannah10January 31, 2010

I liked this game!It was really fun!I also liked the adventure!But they do mention gods in it,but it's all just fantasy.I say this game is fun!!!

NarwhalAugust 5, 2010

Just a note here. but if you defeat a redead and let another one get near it, the live redead will start eating the decaying redead.

gogOctober 5, 2010

this game is fine but if you’re under ten don’t risk it

NarwhalOctober 6, 2010

Yeah, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone that age, maybe the first two dungeons, but not the third because of the way the dungeon inside Jabu Jabu looks.

(guest)October 13, 2010

That would kinda depend on the kid, but yeah. Generally, ten seems about the right age for this kind of game.

PhuzzypenguinOctober 7, 2010

I got this game when I was five back in '99.I loved it and I still play it to this day… Let ur kids play. It's amazing

171arod171October 10, 2010

honestly, i thought there was absolutely nothing wrong with this game. its my favorite game, as a matter of fact. for everyone talking about the inappropriately dressed fairy, dont visit any faries in twilight princess. they have no top on, but thier female parts are covered by their rediculously long hair.

NarwhalDecember 20, 2010

Although, despite that…strange, to say the least, TP fairy…they do give out something helpful, and if I'm correct, you have to visit one just once in the game.

Christian Gamers Code

The Christian Gamer is a believer in Jesus Christ as the way to eternal salvation (John 3:16). As a Christian, responsible to God for my actions and thoughts, I promise to choose my games carefully. My goal is to be a good witness in my purchasing decisions, in my game play with others, and in the use of my time.